At the beginning of the 2016-17 season, the DK family was joined by two exciting new dancers. Cody Miley joined the company as an apprentice and Marie Kuhns became a trainee. Both of them have been giving wonderful performances and making their mark in Indianapolis, so we asked them a few questions so you can get to know them better.

Cody Miley
Hometown: Baton Rougue, Louisiana

2016 webcollage Cody
Q:
Why do you dance?
A: I dance because it combines all my creativity and physicality in one art form – I feel free and alive.

Q: What drew you to DK?
A: The passion and fierceness of the company and choreography, the artistic style of David Hochoy and the Martha Graham technique.

Q: How has your experience been like with DK so far?
A: It’s been difficult and challenging, but eye-opening and beautiful. I love watching these dancers pour their hearts and souls into their craft – it’s inspiring.

Q: What’s been the biggest challenge here at DK?
A: The biggest challenge would be adapting to the technique and the rigorous training. I’ve never been a part of such a high caliber company before.

Q: What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?
A: Sleeping! I could sleep forever.

Q: Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
A: I have to see my audience before they see me, I’ve done it since my freshman year of high school.

Q: If you could time travel, what would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: Get your butt to dance class!!! 

Marie Kuhns
Hometown: Silver City, New Mexico

2016 webcollage Marie
Q:
Why do you dance?
A:  I dance because it is the one thing that truly makes me happy. It’s an amazing feeling that I can only get from being on stage and performing in front of people. I feel like dance gives me an opportunity to show my true self in a way that cannot be described with words.

Q: What drew you to DK?
A: DK appealed to me because it wasn’t located in New York City or Los Angeles. I could never live in a huge city like that. Indianapolis was the perfect size right out of college, and DK presented an amazing opportunity for me.

Q: How has your experience been like with DK so far?
A: DK has been so welcoming. I was not expecting to be cast in shows so early since I am only a trainee, so it has been more then I was hoping for. I love the community outreach that the company does and the opportunities for us to choreograph and collaborate with others.

Q: What’s been the biggest challenge here at DK?
A: The biggest challenge so far has been learning the Graham technique. I mostly came from a Limon/Horton background of modern, so it has been a challenge to learn a different technique along with the extensive rehearsals and performances. 

Q: What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?
A: My guilty pleasure is a bag of hot Cheetos and a good scary movie.

Q: Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
A: I like to take my time getting ready, so I like to get to the theater extra early so I’m in the space. Right before it’s time for me to go onstage, I have to eat something sweet like a piece of chocolate. 

Q: If you could time travel, what would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: Trust yourself and always remember to have fun. Don’t let other people’s doubts about a career in the performing arts stop you from doing what you truly love. 

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